The Community Buzz

Pacific Northwest possible megaquake caused by the Cascadia fault

The threat of the 'Big One' has loomed over the Pacific Northwest for years.

A powerful earthquake thought to be as large as 9.2 magnitude ripped through the earth in 1700, along the 620 mile stretch of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, causing severe shaking and a massive tsunami.

Experts say an event of this kind occurs roughly every 400-600 years, and the area is now overdue for a similar quake that could leave thousands dead or displaced.